The Sims 2 goes 'lite' for laptops! (The Sims: Life Stories (PC))

Member Name: topherbenn

Product:	The Sims: Life Stories (PC)
Date:	04/03/09 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Almost exactly like The Sims 2 original game, with additional features and story mode!

Disadvantages: Some elements are lacking, mainly the photo and video capture features.

The Sims 2 is a complex game, and for complex games you need quite a good computer to handle the graphics and elaborate game play. This new edition to the Sims product line is the 'lite' version of the best-selling PC game. Never worry that your computer might not manage to play this game, as it's been designed specifically for laptops, which don't usually compare to a computer specification of a similar price.

What's good about this game is the creators have incorporated many of the elements throughout the expansion packs of The Sims 2 series; from going on date's (Nightlife) to being able to custom build houses with options that were seen first in the later expansion packs of The Sims 2. However, that's not what makes this game special... ever played the console adaptions of this series? Enjoyed the story modes, as this title correctly states, there's the option to dive into the lives of two Sims, one struggling with their social life; finding women only love him for his wealth, and the other whose social life is budding, but really she needs to get a job quick! It's totally up to you, free play or story mode, there's definitely something for everybody!

So is it really just a slightly altered version of The Sims 2? The answer to that question is yes. As an onlooker you would assume that everything is just as it is in the original game... but on closer inspection you soon realise that there are certain bits missing; how else would they create a 'lite' version?

Firstly you may notice that some of the objects and wide choice of Sims clothing has gone, there is still plenty to get stuck into, but if you've been an avid Sims 2 fan, you might well notice the difference. After that, you'll realise there is only one neighbourhood, but truthfully; did you ever really need those other five neighbourhoods? Personally this isn't a problem to me. Finally, what I noticed missing was the ability to take photos and keep an album, as well as creating Sims movies. Yes this was an nice element to the game, but also very complicated and they needed to find ways to reduce the spec. You may well miss it, I certainly do, but really, if this game also me to play The Sims 2 (well almost The Sims 2), then I'm very happy indeed.

At just £10 this game is a pretty good equivalent for laptop gamers around. Maybe your computer won't play The Sims 2, then why not try this; if it's made for laptops, a desktop shouldn't have any trouble with it (though check the specifications before buying).

Summary: Don't let your system specs stop you playing The Sims, get this laptop friendly version!